Working in true partnership with the community for the overall betterment of the community.
This is one of the key focuses of the newly-elected Victoria Park Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) committee members, geared up to walk the beat and the talk in the fight against crime.
The committee was elected at the Somerset West Police Station in the presence of Police Oversight and Community Safety officials and station commander Colonel Jacolize Fleischmann, as dictated by its constitution, and has been up and running since June.
The committee comprises Ben Venter (chairperson), Johannes Pick (deputy chairperson), Shannon Walbrugh (secretary), Leon Willscott (treasurer), Glenville Neethling (coordinator), Juan Fouché (deputy coordinator), Natalie le Roux (deputy treasurer), Christina Walbrugh (assistant secretary), Darryl Käsner (additional member), Elton Peterson (additional member) and Johnny Fortuin (additional member).
“The neighbourhood watch aims to involve the community more in decision-making to better the community. We seek to engage with residents not only when there are safety concerns, but also to maintain open dialogue for overall community betterment. We are committed to working in partnership with anyone willing to collaborate,” explained Venter.
As for how the committee planned to prioritise safety in the residential area, he said the neighbourhood watch was working closely with several security companies, including ADT, Fidelity, AM Security, Secure Rite, Vetus Schola, and Gordon’s Bay Security. Together they have established a group of 60 members, which includes control rooms from various security partners that can respond at any minute of the day.
The committee hopes to enhance communication by encouraging openness and transparency, said Venter. “Once a month community members are welcome to ask questions or raise any concerns.
“Every eight weeks the neighbourhood watch holds a general meeting, which the community is welcome to attend. At these meetings community members can sit in, hear about the committee’s and NHW’s activities, ask questions, and sign up.”
The next general meeting will be held at the Helderzicht Sports Ground on Friday 30 August, followed by a mass visibility patrol with security partners.
Other calendar highlights include a training session with the City of Cape Town for the entire neighbourhood watch team on Saturday 7 September, a review of the Victoria Park NHW constitution on Saturday 21 September, which is open for community input, and a career day supported by the City, universities and local businesses, which will be held in Victoria Park on Saturday 19 October.
